Project Proposals

Problem

Fluid-jet-based gripping methods offer a promising contactless alternative to conventional gripping techniques. These fluid-jet-based approaches are particularly attractive for handling delicate, lightweight, or easily damaged objects. However, their performance and underlying physics become increasingly complex when the system is miniaturized. Understanding how airflow, pressure distribution, gripper geometry, and object properties influence gripping force and stability at small scales remains an important challenge.

Project Goal

This project aims to develop and investigate a miniaturized fluid-jet-based gripping concept that uses high-speed airflow through a nozzle or funnel to generate controllable gripping forces. The student will design, manufacture, and experimentally characterize small-scale fluidic grippers, exploring the effects of nozzle geometry and operating conditions on gripping performance. The project will evaluate the feasibility of using fluid-driven mechanisms for the manipulation of small and delicate objects, with the long-term goal of enabling novel robotic grippers for micro-manipulation.

Problem

Omnidirectional magnetic actuation systems are critical for enabling precise, contactless manipulation of magnetic microrobots. In our lab, we have developed OmniMag, a novel magnetic actuation system that uses a permanent magnet end effector capable of freely rotating about its central axis to generate controlled magnetic fields. While the system demonstrates promising capabilities, further improvements are needed in the design and integration of the rotating magnetic unit—particularly at the end-effector—to enhance performance, control accuracy, and mechanical robustness.

Goal

The goal of this project is to improve the hardware design of the magnetic end-effector in the OmniMag system. This includes optimizing its mechanical configuration, enhancing alignment and stability, and integrating it more effectively with the actuation setup. The student will also experimentally characterize the improved system to evaluate its performance gains in terms of magnetic field control, precision, and responsiveness. 

Context and problem
Some adrenal tumors produce too much aldosterone, a hormone that regulates blood pressure. To identify where the excess hormone is coming from, doctors can collect blood samples from small veins in different parts of the adrenal gland. However, blood from neighboring regions may mix, and drawing a sample through a catheter may change the local flow. This makes it difficult to know how precisely a measured hormone concentration reflects the tissue near the catheter tip.

Goal
The goal of this master thesis is to design, build, and test a laboratory setup that mimics blood flow through a network of small, branching veins. The project will begin with developing the concept and defining the main requirements for the setup, including the vessel geometry, flow system, local tracer sources, and catheter-based sampling method. The student will then construct and commission the experimental setup. Finally, the system will be tested using known tracer-release patterns to investigate how flow, mixing, catheter position, and sampling speed affect the ability to identify the strongest local source. The outcome will be a functional experimental platform and an initial assessment of how reliably local venous sampling can locate an area of increased hormone production.

Problem

Designing acoustic actuators involves complex interactions between mechanical vibrations, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, and acoustics. A fundamental understanding and integration of these multi-physics phenomena is currently lacking, hindering systematic design optimization.

Goal

In this project, the student will develop a design and manufacturing framework for acoustic actuators with an emphasis on the study of fundamental mechanics principles. Theoretical analysis and computational simulations will be performed on multi-physics phenomena that involve mechanical vibrations, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, and acoustics. 

Problem

The development of acoustically responsive microstructures presents significant challenges due to the intricate coupling between structural mechanics and acoustic excitation at small scales. Achieving reliable and reproducible behavior in such systems requires precise fabrication methods and controlled experimental environments. Despite advances in microfabrication, there is still limited understanding of how fabrication parameters and geometric variations influence the dynamic response of these structures under acoustic actuation.

Goal

In this project, the student will work in the cleanroom to fabricate acoustically responsive structures and test the fabricated structures using our unique acoustic actuation platform. A large design space will be explored, which will allow the student to gain first-hand experience on advanced manufacturing and soft microrobotics. Students who already have access to CMi will be given priority.

Problem

The integration of microfabrication techniques in medical devices has been transformative, yet the challenge of creating highly sensitive, miniaturized sensors for endovascular applications remains. The development of these sensors is pivotal in advancing the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease. At our lab, we have initiated a project to optimize MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) pressure sensors, focusing on their application in endovascular guidewires. The project aims to refine various aspects of sensor design to enhance sensitivity and reliability.

Goal

As a part of our team, you will work closely with experts in microfabrication and biomedical engineering. Your primary responsibility will be to develop and implement strategies for optimizing sensor components. This will involve extensive work in cleanroom environments (CMi), conducting experiments to tweak and test different sensor configurations, and performing rigorous characterization to assess performance improvements.

Problem

Navigating the complex and delicate vasculature of the brain requires catheters that are both extremely small and highly flexible. However, the current generation of microcatheters lacks the necessary miniaturization and mechanical performance to safely access the smallest cerebral arteries. Developing ultra-thin, reliable microcatheters remains a significant technical challenge, particularly at small scale.

Goal

The goal of this project is to design and fabricate ultra-miniaturized microcatheters capable of navigating microscopic brain vessels. The work will involve cleanroom-based microfabrication, followed by mechanical and functional characterization of the devices. Ultimately, the project aims to validate catheter performance through in vitro testing and, potentially, in clinically relevant settings.

Problem

The evolution of medical diagnostics is heavily reliant on the precision and reliability of testing platforms. In the realm of endovascular sensor development, the creation of an in-vitro fluidic test platform is crucial for simulating coronary artery conditions and evaluating sensor performance. 

Goal

You will engage in the hands-on assembly of the platform, followed by a series of calibration and optimization processes. Your role will be instrumental in establishing a robust test environment, including phantom fabrication,  the development of control systems for flow and pressure, and sensors integration.